The range in cattle quotes has widened, with one plant pulling its quote to 336p/kg, while others operate on 342p/kg. The best available quote for U-3 grade cattle is still 346p/kg.

Regardless of the downward move by one processor, the reality is that they are paying well above base to source cattle, with farmers indicating prices of 344p to 348p/kg still being offered. Processors are trying to keep a tighter grip on prices this week. Some plants are starting from 344p/kg and they are getting cattle at this price, while others are starting from 346p/kg.

Most indications are that in-spec steers and heifers have seen little change in price again this week. There are still reports of farmers moving cattle at 348p/kg, with regular sellers moving cattle at 350p/kg. The average price paid for steers and heifers last week was 341.93p/kg, down 1.2p/kg. However, prime cattle have seen no change, with U3 heifers still averaging 355p/kg and steers on 353p/kg.

The weekly kill totalled 8,951 head, with prime cattle accounting for 6,841, up by 240 on the previous week.

While sales of beef are slow, cattle numbers are tighter than processors would like, which has prevented any real downward movement in prices. The prime cattle kill is running 3% behind 2016 levels, even though supply numbers were forecasted to be higher during the first quarter of the year.

Tighter numbers has seen an increase in cattle imported from Ireland for direct slaughter. Last week, 318 animals moved north for slaughter, the highest this year. There were also 144 animals imported from Britain, mostly cows.

Cows

Quotes for cows range from 245p to 250p/kg on O+3 animals, with R grade cows on 250p to 260p/kg. The weekly cow kill was 1,944, down 200 head. This has helped improve prices, with 270p to 280p/kg on offer this week for good-quality cows.

Hogget trade

The quotes at plants for hoggets have increased for the second week running. The best quote is 400p/kg payable to 22kg. Pressure from sellers to get more is having mixed success.

In the marts, numbers and prices were steady on Monday and Tuesday. Prices were well up in Rathfriland on Tuesday evening. Kilrea had 520 hoggets selling from 357p to 376p/kg, no change on last week. Massereene had a sale of 904 hoggets making from 350p to 390p/kg, up slightly for lighter hoggets. In Saintfield, they had a sale of 478 hoggets making from 345p to 385p/kg, little change on last week. In Rathfriland, a show of 482 hoggets sold from 342p to 390p/kg. Trade was buoyant and prices averaged 367p/kg, up by 12p/kg on last week. Top prices were from £93 to £95/head.

Ewes

Top prices for the best fat ewes were lower this week. They sold to a top of £98 in Newtownstewart; £87 in Swatragh; to £99 in Omagh; to £91 in Kilrea; and to £99 in Massereene. In Saintfield, 58 ewes sold to a top of £92; and in Rathfriland 217 ewes made to £95/head.

In Ballymena, Monday evening, the best store hoggets sold for £74 for crossbreds and £72.50 for Texels. The best in-lamb crossbred ewes made £132 and £129. In-lamb Texels sold to £130.

Ewes with twins made from £150 to £180; ewes with a single lamb made £110 to £122.